POCUS View

Renal Ultrasound

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Use a curvilinear probe with the patient supine or in a lateral decubitus position. Place the probe in the posterior axillary line over the right flank (using the liver as a window) to image the right kidney, and over the left flank (using the spleen) for the left kidney, angling between the ribs. Scan each kidney in long and short axes, evaluating the cortex, the central sinus and collecting system, and the bladder.

How to Interpret

Nephrolithiasis

Hydronephrosis on point-of-care renal ultrasound

Rule in

Somewhat helpful

Rule out

Somewhat helpful

Evidence:Strong

References

Wong C, Teitge B, Ross M, Young P, Robertson HL, Lang E. The Accuracy and Prognostic Value of Point-of-care Ultrasound for Nephrolithiasis in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acad Emerg Med. 2018 Jun;25(6):684-698. doi:10.1111/acem.13388. Epub 2018 Mar 25. PMID 29427476. PROSPERO CRD42016035331. QUADAS-2 risk-of-bias assessment.
Hagen-Ansert SL. Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography. 9th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022.
Soni NJ, Arntfield R, Kory P. Point of Care Ultrasound. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.